By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
One of Decatur’s most popular events, the annual Highland Games, will be held Saturday.
In addition, a special event will be held prior to the games: a ribbon cutting to formally open the new pickleball, volleyball and shuffleball courts directly behind Riverside Center (story below).
The Decatur Chamber of Commerce’s Highland Games has grown in stature over the years. “We’ve had more athletes (for qualifying) than ever before,” Chamber Executive Director Craig Coshow recently said.
Fifteen women and 15 men will compete in five events, with three age groups: 18-30, 31-45, and 46 & over.
The games will be held in Riverside Park, the open area across Jackson St. from Riverside Center. No admission is charged. Several food vendors will be on hand.
In addition to the games, events and activities for youngsters will be held from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
It all begins at 11:30 a.m. with Jaime Macklin singing the National Anthem. Jump Master Rick Rumple will be coming down from above and the Games’ Scottish Bagpipers will perform.
Sara Mesing and Isaac Birch are the defending champions (see photo).
RIBBON CUT: Just across Jackson St. from the games, coffee and donuts will be served by the City of Decatur starting at 10:30 a.m., and tours of the new facilities will be given.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.
“This project was a team effort and took collaboration from many groups,” city officials said in a statement. “We are proud of what was accomplished and hope that many of you can join us in celebrating.”